Mitigation is a way to replace wetlands and/or waters that are unavoidably affected by the construction or development of a proposed activity or project. According to the Clean Water Act, all proposed activities and projects must make every effort to avoid or minimize impacts to wetlands, streams, lakes, rivers, etc.
If impact avoidance and minimization can not be completely accomplished, then mitigation requirements must be considered, as outlined in the Compensatory Mitigation for Losses of Aquatic Resources Final Rule (33 CFR Part 325 and 332; 40 CFR Part 230) in April 2008. Several forms of mitigation are available. Restoration or enhancement of degraded wetlands or waters affect by a proposed work activity is one form of mitigation. On-site preservation and buffering of remaining wetlands or waters can also be considered mitigation. The purchase of credits from a wetland mitigation bank is another form of mitigation. All proposed mitigation plans require approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The Corps reviews each application package for its potential to adversely impact aquatic resources. The Mitigation Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was set forth in February 1990 and provides the guidance for the 404 (b)(1) guidelines. For projects evaluated under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, no discharge of dredge or fill materials into waters of the United States shall be approved that does not meet the requirements of the 404(b)(1) guidelines.
When developing a mitigation plan for a proposed activity or project, assistance from a qualified environmental consultant may be necessary, but is not required for the application package to be accepted and reviewed. Contact your local Corps Field Office for further information.
Compensatory Mitigation Rule Pamphlet
Compenstory Mitigation Rule Q&A's
RGL No. 08-03: Minimum Monitoring Requirements
Memo: Mitigation Plan Checklist
Mitigation Plan Checklist
Minimum Requirements for Annual Monitoring Report